Week 8 Preview: Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers

The Rams stunned the Seahawks by a score of 28-26, despite a fourth quarter comeback attempt lead by Russell Wilson.

Last week, in an absolute shocker, the Seattle Seahawks dealt superstar wide receiver Percy Harvin to the New York Jets for next to nothing. The earth shattering move affected the ‘Hawks as they took on the struggling St. Louis Rams. After the Seahawks fell to the Rams, the label of struggling was applied to them.

Percy Harvin was dealt to the New York Jets for a 6th round draft pick. What could have possibly occurred that caused Seattle to ship off a player for whom they traded away multiple draft picks? What could have irked Seattle management so much that they would trade away one of the most dynamic playmakers in the entire league? Rumours are running rampant about the star receiver’s antics behind the scenes, such as a feud with star quarterback Russell Wilson. Rumours state that Seattle management was worried about Harvin leading a mutiny against Wilson. Further, sources suggest that Harvin was unimpressed with his role on offense and the manner in which his talents were being used. To his credit, Harvin has 225 total yards and 1 touchdown, which are atrocious numbers for a player of his caliber. Additionally, Harvin had prior scuffles with the Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin and former teammate Golden Tate.

Last Week

No one expected the Rams to have a chance this past Sunday. The Seahawks were supposed to walk into St. Louis with a 3-2 record, and walk out with a 4-2 record. St. Louis reached into a bag of tricks and showed everyone that they are not as bad as their record indicates. The Rams’ defense scored some big sacks, after having difficulty reaching quarterbacks through the first five games. Most importantly, the Rams’ special teams unit came up big, providing two huge trick plays. On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks had some outstanding performances. Russell Wilson threw for 313 yard and two touchdowns, and ran for 106 yards and a touchdown, making him the first QB in N.F.L. history to pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game. Doug Baldwin hauled in 7 passes for 123 yards and a score. Tight end Cooper Helfet had a good game, catching three passes for 61 yards, including a magnificent toe-tapping touchdown grab in the end zone.

This Week: Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers

Game Day: Sunday, October 26, 2014

Kickoff: 10 a.m. PT

TV: CBS

This week, the Seahawks (3-3) look to rebound on the road against the Carolina Panthers (3-3-1). Seattle remains at the bottom of the league when it comes to passing offense, currently sitting at 29th in the league, throwing for 203.7 yards per game; however, they are the second best rushing offense in the league, trampling defenders for 153.3 yards per game. On defense, the ‘Hawks’ passing defense has improved to 16th in the league, allowing 239 yards per game, and their rushing defense remains solid and ranks 6th in the league, restricting defenses to 85 yards per game. Carolina, on the other hand, has the 12th best passing offense in the league, and the 27th ranked rushing offense. On the other side of the ball, Carolina sits in 22nd with their pass defense, and in 26th with their rushing defense.

Seattle was bitten by the injury bug, once again, losing full back Derrick Coleman to a broken foot. With Zach Miller and Derrick Coleman out, it will be interesting to see how Seattle’s running game is affected, as they are both vital cogs in the rushing offense. Seattle’s rushing offense could be a deciding factor in this game, with most of the yards coming from Russell Wilson’s scrambles. Seattle could lean on Doug Baldwin in the pass game, as he was impressive against the Rams, and has been impressive all season. Seattle will have their hands full with Carolina’s rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who has been rock solid for the Panthers. Seattle should have no problem shutting down Carolina’s running game, as the Panthers have been unable to get the run game going.

Prediction: Seattle steals one on the road.

Featured Image: Seahawks.com / Rod Mar

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Manny Dhillon Manny Dhillon is a personal trainer, rehab specialist, and blogger. He owns and operates VanFit, and shares his experiences in the fitness industry at www.fit604.com.